From an economic standpoint, many Americans who have seen the devastation wrought by the virus within their communities now feel a more personal responsibility to spend their holiday dollars locally.
And whether “local,” to you, means down the block or country-wide, the Alliance for American Manufacturing is here to help: the organization recently updated its Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, a review of fun options from all 50 states where you can support American jobs and impact American families with your purchases.
And if variety is the spice of life, this list is SPICY.
For the adventurer in your life, Alaska Paracord Designs in Anchorage sells survival gear, including a bracelet that features everything the wearer would need to start a fire in an emergency. The company says that if you ever need to use it, they’ll replace your bracelet free of charge in exchange for hearing your story of outdoor survival.
If your list of recipients is more indoors people than outdoors, AAM’s compilation still has lots of options for you: try Chicago’s Reformed School brand home goods that use recycled materials and emphasize social justice. Or skip down to Indiana to find Fountain Alley soaps and lotions made of natural, food-grade ingredients like olive oil, oats, and nut milks.
And don’t forget about the kids – not that they’ll let you. AAM’s list has an American-made tricycle, complete with red-white-and-blue ribbons on the handlebars, produced by Dirt King in WaKeeney, Kansas.
Additionally, Luke’s Toy Factory in Danbury, Connecticut takes locally sourced organic materials like sawdust and walnut shells and upcycles them in order to cut plastic out of its toy cars, trucks, and trains. Even better, every single component of the process, from materials to tools and other supplies, are sourced from America.
And if there’s enough cash left in your budget, why not treat yourself to some gourmet sweets from The Cordial Cherry in Omaha, who will craft cute little snowman truffles or even dip your wine bottles in dark chocolate. For some reason, I want this.
For the full holiday gift guide, visit AmericanManufacturing.org.